Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) & Men at a Glance

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria that have spread to your urinary system including the

bladder — the organ that collects and stores urine

ureters — the tubes that lead from the kidneys to the bladder

urethra — the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body

Urinary tract infections are far more common among women than men. But men still get them. Urinary tract infections should be taken seriously. Severe cases may cause kidney or prostate infection if left untreated.

Common symptoms of urinary tract infections include

burning pain during urination

an urge to urinate when your bladder is nearly empty

feeling like you need to urinate all the time, especially at night

difficulty controlling when you urinate

lower abdominal pain or back pain

blood and/or pus in urine

fever

If you have symptoms, make an appointment with your health care provider. Testing and treatment are simple. For more detailed information, see our general page on urinary tract infections.